In the aftermath of yet another blown lead in the NBA Finals – this time, to end the series and cost his team a title – a dejected Victor Wembanyama sparked fear in the hearts of San Antonio Spurs fans.
The Frenchman’s bold promise that the Spurs would come back to win the series never materialized as San Antonio once again blew a late double-digit lead to lose Game 5 and give the New York Knicks their first title in 53 years.
The Spurs ended up blowing double-digit leads in every loss these playoffs – including the dramatic Game 4 loss where they led by 29 points.
On Saturday, after leading by as much as 16 points, the Spurs once again collapsed down the stretch and missed multiple late shots to fall 94-90.
After the game, a visibly frustrated and defeated Wembanyama closed his press conference by saying, ‘Appreciate y’all. See y’all…never.’
While the Spurs live stream of the press conference cut out before Wembanyama said his goodbye, the clip still made the rounds on social media.
Victor Wembanyama left a press conference after his NBA Finals loss, saying ‘See y’all never’
Wembanyama and the Spurs once again blew a double-digit lead to fall in Game 5
The French phenom led the team with 19 points and 14 rebounds in the defeat
The 22-year-old finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks in the defeat.
It’s the first time the French phenom played in the NBA Finals, but the sting of a loss in the series is something he will now have to overcome.
‘This has been a hell of a year in terms of experience,’ he said. ‘I don’t think we could have learned more and gained more experience in one player, in one season, in one person, in 18 months.
‘It’s been hard and full of lessons.’
Wembanyama also was criticized by fans and pundits for immediately walking off the floor rather than shaking the hands of the Knicks players after the defeat.
Warriors star Draymond Green said on Sunday, ‘Wow they didn’t shake their hands… that’s not good.’
‘After every game we gave spurs respect,’ wrote one Knicks fan. ‘Spoke of them being a good team that is well coached. Never once did they compliment us. Wemby needs to go study more with the monks. Cause he didn’t get lesson in humility.’
‘Not only is he a dirty player, he’s got no class. And to think the NBA wants to make him one of the faces for their league,’ one fan added.
